Portable sample case

ABSTRACT

A portable sample case for use in transporting and displaying a stack of flat material such as fabric, wallpaper, rugs and the like, including a frame assembly having frame units pivotally mounted thereon, the frame units being normally located in a closed position wherein the sample case in conveniently transported from one location to another and being movable to an open position, wherein the stack of material located therein is exposed for display.

United States Patent [191 Lawler 1 1 Apr. 3, 1973 [54] PORTABLE SAMPLECASE [76] Inventor: Gerald J. Lawler, 71 North Park Street, Franklin,Mass. 02038 [22] Filed: Jan. 11, 1971 [21] Appl. N0.: 105,375

[52] US. Cl ..190/16, 190/1, 190/18 A, 190/41 Z, 211/47, 21 lll69.l [51]Int. Cl ..A45c 3/00 [58] Field 01Search.....190/16, 17,18 R, 18 A, 41 z,190/42, 1; 206/4515, 45.17, 45.18, 45.24,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,286,018 11/1918 Jones..248/455 1,035,648 8/1912 Small ..190/16 3,245,411 4/1966 3,315,771 41967 2,531,302 11/1950 3,297,118 1/1967 2,549,306 4 1951 Greene ..190 16Primary Examiner-Joseph R. Leclair Assistant Examiner-Stephen MarcusAttorney-Salter & Michaelson [57] ABSTRACT A portable sample case foruse in transporting and displaying a stack of flat material such asfabric, wallpaper, rugs and the like, including a frame assembly havingframe units pivotally mounted thereon, the frame units being normallylocated in a closed position wherein the sample case in convenientlytransported from one location to another and being movable to an openposition, wherein the stack of material located therein is exposed fordisplay.

7 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR3 I975 3,724,617

SHEET 1 UF 3 INVENTOR F I G. 4 GERALD J. LAWLER ATTORNEYS PATENTEBAPR 3I975 3.724.617 sum 2 [IF 34 96 /02 IINVENTOR i GERALD J. LAWLER F|G.6mzw F I G. 7 U5 ATTORNEYS PATENTEDAPRIi I973 3,724,617

sum 3 OF 3 ATTORNEYS PORTABLE SAMPLE CASE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention has particular application as a sample displaycase for salesmen who must transport material, such as fabrics,wallpaper, rugs and the like, from one location to another for displayto customers.

Prior to the instant invention, stacks of materials such as fabrics havebeen carried by salesmen from one location to another by simply packingthe fabrics in a travelling case of convenient size. When the salesmandisplayed the fabrics to a customer, the fabrics were normally liftedbodily out of the travelling case and placed on a counter, table or astand, if one were conventionally accessible. Although this prior methodof displaying fabrics and the like accomplished the purpose intended,the amount of merchandise carried in the travelling case was limited byspace requirements, and moreover considerable time was consumed by thesalesman in physically removing the fabrics from the case and placingthem on a convenient stand or table for display. More time wasthereafter consumed by the salesman in repacking the travelling case,which also required considerable effort and patience.

Some attempts have been made heretofore to provide for the easytransport of a travelling case, such as by placing casters on the bottomof the case so that the case could be rolled, rather than carried.However, such cases did not avoid the problems experienced in displayingthe samples carried therein. Other sample cases and racks have also beenused heretofore that included structure-that provided for locating thesamples in a display position. However, even these prior known displaycases and racks, were limited in the use thereof and could not beadapted for displaying relatively large stacks of materials such asfabrics.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a portablesample case for the use, transporting and displaying stacks of materialsuch as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like,

being conveniently accessible for inspection and handling. Suitablelocks are secured to the sides of the frame units for interlocking theunits to the base frame, and the holder assembly from which the fabricmaterials are suspended also includes a convenient lock construction fordetachably securing the fabric materials therein.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aportable sample case for transporting and displaying stacks of flatmaterial, and which utilizes the components of the case as a support forthe materials during inspection and display thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a portable sample case fora stack of flat material that includes a base frame to which frame unitsare pivotally interconnected, the frame units being movable from aclosed position within the confines of the base frame to an openposition outwardly thereof for supporting and displaying the materiallocated within the sample case.

Still another object is to provide a portable sample case whichconveniently transports and displays flat materials such as rugs,wallpaper, fabrics and the like.

Still another object is to provide a portable sample case having anouter cover that is removably connected to a base frame of the samplecase and that is utilized to not only cover the sample case in theclosed position thereof, but to further act as a means for lifting thesample case during the transporting thereof.

Still another object is to provide a portable sample case for thetransporting and displaying of flat materials and which includes lockmembers that are secured to I frame units of the sample case for lockingthe frame and includes a frame assembly that is defined by a base frameon which a pair of frame units are pivotally mounted. A stack of flatmaterial such as a plurality of sample fabrics is removably mounted onone of the frame units at an end thereof by a unique holder assembly,the fabrics being draped over a horizontal rod that is also removablymounted in the base frame. In the closed position of the sample case,both of the frame units are located within the confines of the baseframe, the fabric material being folded over the horizontal rodapproximately at the midpoint thereof. In the closed position of thesample case, an outer cover assembly encloses the frame assembly and thesample case may be easily and quickly transported on casters that aresecured to the underside of the frame assembly.

When it is desired to display or show the fabric materials locatedwithin the sample case, the cover is conveniently removed through zipperfasteners and the frame units are swung outwardly of the base frame in apivotal movement. One of the frame units acts as a support to hold thesample case in an inclined position and the other frame unit whichsupports the fabric materials is lifted upwardly to effect an easel-likeposition, the fabrics hanging in suspended position therefrom and unitsin a closed position within the sample case, and that further. includesa sample holder assembly that is removably mounted on one of the frameunits of the same case.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall becomeapparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered inconnection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best.mode presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable sample case embodied in thepresent invention showing the case in a fully closed position thereof;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sample case in the" open positionthereof, which is the position for displaying a stack of sample materiallocated therein;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the display case in the opendisplay position asillustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged portion with parts shown in section ofan end wall of the base frame and an end member of a frame unit of thesample case showing a lock for interlocking the frame unit to the baseframe;

FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the holder assembly of the frameunit from which the stack of sample material is suspended;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holder assembly illustrated in FIG.6., showing the holder for the sample material in the open positionthereof, and further showing the manner in which the holder assembly ismounted on its frame unit;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevational view showing a lock for the pins onwhich the sample material is mounted in the holder assembly;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the unlocked position of thelock for the material holding pins; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the cover assembly that is mounted onthe frame assembly of the display case.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings andparticularly to FIG. 1, the portable sample case embodied in the presentinvention is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10 The portabledisplay case 10 has particular application for use by travellingsalesmen an others for transporting and displaying of flat samplematerials, and in this connection, the portable sample case is designedfor particular use in the transporting and displaying of fabrics,wallpaper, rugs and other similar materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the sample case 10 is shown includinga frame assembly that is defined by a base frame generally indicated at12 to which are pivotally connected a first frame unit generallyindicated at 14 and a second frame unit generally indicated at 16. Asfurther illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 10, a cover assembly generallyindicated at 18 is removably interconnected to the base frame 12 byzipper fasteners as will hereinafter be described.

Referring again to FIG. 1, 3 and 4, the base frame 12 is shown beingformed in a generally U-shaped configuration defined by side walls 20and 22 that are interconnected to a bottom wall 24 having a reinforcingrib 25 joined thereto. Pivotally interconnected to the walls 20 and 22of the base frame 12 is the first frame unit 14, which includes aU-shaped frame member defined by marginal sides 26 and 28 and an end 30.Extending horizontally across the open end of the U-frame of the frameunit 14 is a cross bar 32, and extending diagonally thereacross arediagonal bars 34 and 36 that cooperate with the cross bar 32 to providea rigid support for the frame unit 14.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the uppermost ends of both sides 26 and28 of the frame unit 14 have a clip 38 attached thereto through which abolt 40 extends for pivotally interconnecting the frame unit 14 to theside walls 20 and 22 of the base frame 12. As will be described, thefirst frame unit 14 is movable from a closed position within theconfines of the base frame 12 to an open position as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4 to define a support for the sample case. In thisconnection and in order to limit the outer pivotal movement of the firstframe unit 14, pivotal braces 42 are provided and as seen in FIGS. 3 and4 interconnect the marginal sides 26 and 28 of the frame unit 14 to theend walls 22 and 20 respectively of the base frame. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the braces 42 are pivotal at the mid-points thereof and providefor folding movement of the frame unit 14 to and from the open andclosed positions thereof.

In order to lock the first frame unit 14 in the closed position withinthe base frame unit 12, and to prevent movement thereof during thetransporting of the sample case, a spring lock 46 is provided for eachof the marginal sides 26 and 28. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the locks 46are spring loaded and each includes a retractable pin 48 that is adaptedto be received within an opening (not shown) formed in the inner surfaceof the side walls 20 and 22 of the base frame .12. It is understood thatwhen the frame unit 14 is to be moved from the closed position to theposition illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locks 46 are pulled outwardlyto release the pins 48 from within the openings in the walls 20 and 22,thereby permitting the frame 'unit 14 to swing to the outer supportposition thereof.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the frame unit 16 is formedsimilarly to the frame unit 14 and includes a U-shaped frame havingmarginal sides 50, 52 and an outer end 54. Joined to the inner ends ofthe marginal sides 50 and 52 is a horizontal cross bar 56, whilediagonal cross braces 58 and 60 are secured to the sides 50 and 52 andcooperate with the horizontal cross bar 56 to form the frame unit 16 inrelatively rigid construction. As shown in FIG. 4, the sides 50 and 52of the frame unit 16 have clips 62 joined to the inner ends thereofthrough which bolts 64 extend for pivotally mounting the frame unit 16on the side walls 20 and 22 of the base frame 12. As described, theframe unit 16 is movable from a closed position to an upper displayposition, and in order to positively locate the frame unit 16 in theupper display position, pivotal braces 66 are provided which repermanently connected to the sides 26 and 28 of the frame unit 14; andwhich have a slot 67 formed in the free ends thereof (FlG. 2). When theframe unit 16 is moved to the upper display position, the braces 66 aremoved upwardly and are interconnected to the sides 50, 52 by thumbscrews 68 located in blocks 70 fixed to the sides 50, 52 (FIG. 5), theslots 67 receiving the thumb screws therein, which are thereaftertightened to securely lock the frame unit 16 in place. It is understoodthat the braces 66 are removable from their connection with the thumbscrews 68 fixed to the sides 50 and 52 of the frame unit 16 and foldabledownwardly to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 for releasing the frameunit 16 when it is to be folded to the closed position thereof. Aplurality of spaced openings may also be formed in the block 70 foraccomodating the thumb screws 68 in different vertical locations,wherein the braces 66 may be secured in several vertical positions inthe sides of the frame unit 16 to vary the angular relation of the frameunit 16 with respect to the base frame 12.

The frame unit 16 is also retained in the closed position thereof bylocks 72 which as shown in FIG. 5 are similar to the construction of thepreviously described locks 46. The locks 72 are mounted on the blocks 70as secured to the sides 50 and 52 of the frame unit 16 and are springloaded through a spring 74 located in a housing 76, so that pins 78formed as part of the locks 72 are projectable through openings 80formed in the side walls 20 and 22 of the base frame 12. It isunderstood that when the frame unit 16 is moved to the closed position,locks 72 are retracted to move the pins 78 inwardly of the blocks 70until the frame unit 16 is disposed within the confines of the baseframe 12. The

locks 72 are then released to allow the pins 78 to penetrate into theopenings 80 as formed in the side walls 20, 22 of the base frame .12.

One of the unique features of the present invention is the removal ofthe stack of sample material as a unit from the sample case forreplacement with other sample materials, without the requirement oflifting the individual pieces of the material from the sample case. Thisis accomplished by providing a holder assembly generally indicated at 82that is removably mounted on the upper portion of the frame unit 16. Asillustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holder assembly 82 is defined by anelongated plate 84 to which an upper flange 86 is integrally joined.Pivotally connected to the flange 86 by a hinge 89 is a top plate 88 towhich a downwardly extending, peripheral flange 90 is joined. Aplurality of spaced rivets 91 are secured along the front parts of theperipheral flange 90 and project slightly outwardly therefrom. A handle94 is joined to the top wall 88 by cleats 95 and is provided forremoving the holder assembly 82 as a unit when required.

A plurality of horizontally extending pins 96 are secured to the plate84 by any convenient means such as screws and project forwardly of theplate 84 in parallel relation with respect to the normal position of.the top wall 88. The pins 96 define supporting meansfor the stack offlat material such as fabric that is to be located within the samplecase and in the loading of the fabrics into the display positionthereof, each individual piece is directly mounted on the pins 96 andsuspended therefrom. The outermost end of each of the pins 96 is formedwith a reduced neck 98, which neck 98 is receivable within a slot 102(FIG. 6) formed in the marginal flange 90. A slide plate 100 is slidablymounted on the flange 90 and for this purpose is provided withappropriate slots 103 that receive the rivets 91 therein. Bayonet slots92 also formed in the slide plate 100 are adapted to be aligned with theslots 102 and pins 96 located therein, and upon sliding movement of theplate 100 with respect to the flange 90, the ends of the pins 96 arecaptured within the bayonet slots 92. See FIG. 8. With the holderassembly 82 located in the position shown in FIG. 6, the fabric materialis locked in place. Upon movement of the slide plate 100 to the positionillustrated in FIG. 9, the pins 96 are released from engagement with thepivotal top wall 88, but before the top wall 88 can be pivotally movedfrom the position illustrated in FIG. 6 to the position illustrated inFIG. 7, it must be released from engagement with support structure forthe holder assembly as will be described. Thereafter, the fabricmaterial may be removed from the pins 96 as required.

Normally, the fabric material as mounted on the pins 96 of theholderassembly 82 is removable as a unit with the holder assembly 82 from theframe unit 16, and in order to accomplish this purpose, the frame unit16 includes an upper cross plate 104 that is joined to the upper endthereof adjacent to the end 54 and that spans the space between thesides 50 and 52. As shown in FIG. 3, brackets 106 are secured to thecross plate 104 intermediate the sides 50 and 52, and are slightlyspaced from the cross plate 104 to accommodate the plate 84therebetween. The flange 86 of the holder assembly 82 rests on endbrackets 108 that are also secured to the cross plate 104, thumb screws110 (FIG.

4) extending through the flange 86 into the brackets 108 for securelylocking the holder assembly 82 to the frame unit 16 and furtherpreventing pivotal movement of the top wall 88. If it is desired toremove the fabrics from the pins 96, the thumb screws 110 are removedfrom engagement with the brackets 108 and the slide plate 100 is movedto the unlocked position which releases the top wall 88 for movement tothe position shown in FIG. 7. With the thumb screws 110 removed, theentire holder assembly 82 may also be removed, if desired, by pullingupwardly on the handle 94 so that the cross plate 84 is lifted out ofthe brackets 106. In this case, the slide plate is in the lockedposition, although itmay be released after the holder assembly 82 isremoved from the frame unit 16, The fabrics as contained on the pins 96may then be removed from the holder assembly 82 and replaced by otherfabrics if so desired as previously described. Another holder assemblycomplete with fabric materials located on the pin thereof may also bemounted on the frame unit 16 as areplacement for the one removed.Mounting of the new holder assembly 82 with the fabrics suspendedtherefrom in the sample case would be accomplished when the cross plate84 of the new holder assembly were located within the brackets 106 andthe thumb screws secured to the brackets 108.

When it is necessary to transport the fabric materials mounted on theholder assembly 82, the frame units 14 and 16 are moved to their closedposition by releasing locks 46 and 72 and folding the frame units tothat position illustrated in FIG. 2. In carrying out this foldingmovement, the braces 44 and 66 are pivotally moved as illustrated inFIG. 2 and the slot 67 of the brace 66 is removed from engagement withthe thumb screw 68 so that the frame unit 16 can be swung downwardly tothe closed position. Movement of the frame units 14 and 16 within theconfines of the base frame 12 is limited by interior clips indicated at112 in FIG. 2, the clips 112 being secured to the interior surface ofthe side walls 20 and 22 of the base frame 12.

With frame unit 16 located in the folded or closed position thereof, thefabric material indicated at is draped over a cross bar 114 that isfixed between the walls 20 and 22 of the base frame 12 in appropriatecollars joined to the interior surfaces of these walls and secured inplace'by bolts 117. The bar 114 may have a telescoping construction orit may be constructed in any manner so that it can be withdrawn fromtheposition between the walls 20 and 22 when the sample case is locatedin the open display position thereof. It is understood that the primarypurpose of the cross bar 114 is to receive the fabric material 115thereover in folding relation as illustrated in FIG. 2 when the frameunits are disposed in the closed position, thereby supporting the fabricmaterial 115 in draping relation and maintaining the fabric material insuch a position that will prevent wrinkling or creasing thereof. l

In the closed position of the sample case and in that position when thecase is to be transported from one Ibcation to another by the user, thecover assembly 18 is fixed around the frame assembly in interconnectingrelation, and this is accomplished by zipper fasteners as will now bedescribed. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 9, the cover assembly 18which may be formed of a durable fabric or plastic material, includes atop portion 114 to which side portions 116 and 118 are integrallyjoined. The top portion 114 extends around the upper portion of theframe assembly while the side portions 116 and 118 cover the sides ofthe frame assembly. As shown in FIG. 3, the side walls and 22 of thebase frame unit 12 are covered with fabric or plastic panels 119 thatcorrespond to the material from which the cover assembly 18 isfabricated. The panels 119 may be secured to the side walls 20 and 22 ofthe base frame 12 in any convenient manner such as by rivets 120, theperipheral edges of the panels 119 having metal zipper stringer 122joined thereto that extends around the entire peripheral edges of theside walls 20 and 22. The outer surface of the bottom wall 24 is alsocovered with a panel similar to the panel 119 as illustrated in FIG. 2;however, the bottom wall 24 of the base frame 20 is reinforced by anouter plate 124 that extends the length of the bottom wall 24 and alsooverlies a portion of the panels 119 located on the outer surfaces ofthe side walls 20 and 22. This outer reinforcing plate 124 is alsosecured in place by rivets or the like. With the reinforcing plate inposition, the peripheral edges of the panel beneath the plate 124 andthat extends in overlying relation with respect to the bottom wall 24 isexposed and zipper stringer 122 is fixed thereto that is continuous withrespect to the stringer joined to the peripheral edges of the panels119. The stringer 122 thus extends the entire length of the peripheraledges of side walls 20 and 22 and bottom wall 24 of the base frame unit12, terminating in end stops at the midpoint of the bottom wall on oneside thereof as illustrated in FIG. 1. The cover assembly 18 is alsoprovided with corresponding zipper stringer as indicated at 126 alongthe entire peripheral edge thereof and a pair of slide fasteners 128 and130 engage the stringers 122 and 126 and are adapted to interlock thecover assembly 18 to the frame assembly in the manner as illustrated inFIG. 1. It is understood that the cover assembly is removed from itscovering position by simply releasing or sliding the slide fasteners 128and 130 along the bottom peripheral edge of the bottom wall of the baseframe unit and then upwardly on the peripheral edges of the side wallsof the base frame unit, until the frame units 14 and 16 are uncoveredsufficiently to permit the removal thereof from their closed position.

In order to conveniently carry or lift the sample case, an inner curvedplate 132 having end flanges 133 is provided having a handle 134 securedto the upper surface thereof. The plate 132 has a curved configurationthat enables it to overlie the upper portion of the sample case and isreceived directly beneath the portion 114 of the cover assembly, therebycausing the upper portion 114 to assume the curved configuration asillustrated. The upper portion 114 of the cover assembly is formed withan opening 136 through which the handle 134 projects for convenientaccess to the user. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, side handles 138may be secured to the outer surfaces of the side walls 20 and 22 of thebase frame unit and are used to further aid in lifting the sample caseas decided.

Since the sample case is of a construction that would be awkward tocarry and would be considerably heavy when fully loaded with materialstherein, it is contemplated that the case willbe wheeled in an uprightposition as is well-known in sample case constructions. For this purposea plurality of casters 140 are secured to the bottom wall 24 of the baseframe unit and overlie the panel of fabric material that is securedthereto by the plate 124. The casters may be of any convenientconstruction and are normally of the swivel type. As further shown inFIG. 4, the inner sets of casters 140 cooperate with the frame unit 14to support the sample case in the inclined display position thereof.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structureembodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the artthat various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventiveconcept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms hereinshown and described.

What is claimed is:

l. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying ofmaterials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising aframe assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotallymounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted onsaid base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from afirst position within the confines of said base frame to a seconddisplay position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support forlocating said base frame in an inclined display position, said secondframe unit being pivotally movable from a first position within theconfines of said base frame to an elevated position above said baseframe, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting saidmaterial thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frameassembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspendedfrom said second frame unit for display in the open position of saidframe units, said supporting means for said material including aplurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to theplane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends forpenetrating the material and for holding the material in suspendedposition, said supporting means for said material further defining aholder assembly that is removably mounted on said second frame unit,wherein a similar holder assembly having other material suspendedtherein is insertable on said second frame unit for displaying the othermaterial as required.

2. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 1, said holder assemblyincluding means for removably locking said material on said pins, andmeans engaging said second frame unit for removably mounting the holderassembly thereon.

3. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying ofmaterials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising aframe assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotallymounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted onsaid base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from afirst position within the confines of said base frame to a seconddisplay position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support forlocating said base frame in an inclined display position, said secondframe unit being pivotally movable from a first position within theconfines of said base frame to an elevated position above said baseframe, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting saidmaterial thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frameassembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspendedfrom said second frame unit for display in the open position of saidframe units, a cover assembly removably mounted on said frame assemblyand including opposed flexible cover sheets that are located inoverlying relation on said frame units, wherein said frame assembly isenclosed by said cover sheets, and means for removably interconnectingsaid cover sheets along the peripheral edges of said frame units so thatsaid frame units are uncovered when the material carried by said secondframe unit is to be displayed.

4. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 3, said interconnectingmeans for said cover sheets being zipper fasteners that provide forquick covering and uncovering of said cover assembly on said frameassembly.

5. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying ofmaterials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising aframe assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotallymounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted onsaid base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from afirst position within the confines of said base frame to a seconddisplay position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support forlocating said base frame in an inclined display position, said secondframe unit being pivotally movable from a first position within theconfines of said base frame to an elevated position above said baseframe, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting saidmaterial thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frameassembly in the closed position'of said frame units and is suspendedfrom said second frame unit for display in the open position of saidframe units, said base frame having a U-shaped configuration defined byopposed side wall and a bottom wall interconnecting said side walls, anda fabric support rod removably mounted between said opposed side wallsand over which said material is draped in the closed position of saidframe units, said support rod supporting said material in the closedposition of said frame units, and being removable from said base framein the open position of said frame units to allow said material to befully extended in the display thereof.

6. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 5, roller castersmounted on the bottom wall of said base frames wherein said sample caseis supported on said casters for rolling movement in the closed positionthereof.

7. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying ofmaterials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising aframe assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotallymounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted onsaid base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from afirst position within the confines of said base frame to a seconddisplay position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support forlocating said base frame in an inclined display position, said secondframe unit being pivotally movable from a first position within theconfines of said base frame to an elevated position above said baseframe, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting saidmaterial thereon,'wherein said material is confined within said frameassembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspendedfrom said second frame unit for display in the open position of saidframe units, said supporting means for said material including aplurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to theplane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends forpenetrating the material and for holding the material in suspendedposition, said supporting means defining a holder assembly that includesan elongated plate to which a top wall is hingedly interconnected, saidpins being joined to said elongated plate and projectingoutwardlytherefrom, said top wall being pivotally movable with respect to saidplate to expose said pins for removal from or placement of materialthereon, said top wall having a peripheral flange joined thereto inwhich slots are formed for receiving the free ends of said pins therein,means on said peripheral flange for locking said pins in said slotslocated therein, and means for removably securing said holder assemblyto said second frame unit, said removable securing means for said holderassembly including spaced brackets mounted for said second frame unit inwhich said elongated plate is slidably received, and fasteners extendingthrough said top wall for fixing said holder assembly to said secondframe unit.

1. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said supporting means for said material including a plurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to the plane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends for penetrating the material and for holding the material in suspended position, said supporting means for said material further defining a holder assembly that is removably mounted on said second frame unit, wherein a similar holder assembly having other material suspended therein is insertable on said second frame unit for displaying the other material as required.
 2. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 1, said holder assembly including means for removably locking said material on said pins, and means engaging said second frame unit for removably mounting the holder assembly thereon.
 3. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines Of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, a cover assembly removably mounted on said frame assembly and including opposed flexible cover sheets that are located in overlying relation on said frame units, wherein said frame assembly is enclosed by said cover sheets, and means for removably interconnecting said cover sheets along the peripheral edges of said frame units so that said frame units are uncovered when the material carried by said second frame unit is to be displayed.
 4. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 3, said interconnecting means for said cover sheets being zipper fasteners that provide for quick covering and uncovering of said cover assembly on said frame assembly.
 5. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said base frame having a U-shaped configuration defined by opposed side wall and a bottom wall interconnecting said side walls, and a fabric support rod removably mounted between said opposed side walls and over which said material is draped in the closed position of said frame units, said support rod supporting said material in the closed position of said frame units, and being removable from said base frame in the open position of said frame units to allow said material to be fully extended in the display thereof.
 6. A portable sample case as set forth in claim 5, roller casters mounted on the bottom wall of said base frames wherein said sample case is supported on said casters for rolling movement in the closed position thereof.
 7. A portable sample case for use in the transporting and displaying of materials such as fabrics, wallpaper, rugs and the like, comprising a frame assembly defined by a base frame, a first frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame and a second frame unit pivotally mounted on said base frame, said first frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to a second display position outwardly of said base frame and defining a support for locating said base frame in an inclined display position, said second frame unit being pivotally movable from a first position within the confines of said base frame to an elevated position above said base frame, means secured to said second frame unit for supporting said material thereon, wherein said material is confined within said frame assembly in the closed position of said frame units and is suspended from said second frame unit for display in the open position of said frame units, said supporting means for said material including a plurality of spaced pins that are normally located perpendicular to the plane in which the material is located, said pins having free ends for penetrating the material and for holding the material in suspended position, said supporting means defining a holder assemBly that includes an elongated plate to which a top wall is hingedly interconnected, said pins being joined to said elongated plate and projecting outwardly therefrom, said top wall being pivotally movable with respect to said plate to expose said pins for removal from or placement of material thereon, said top wall having a peripheral flange joined thereto in which slots are formed for receiving the free ends of said pins therein, means on said peripheral flange for locking said pins in said slots located therein, and means for removably securing said holder assembly to said second frame unit, said removable securing means for said holder assembly including spaced brackets mounted for said second frame unit in which said elongated plate is slidably received, and fasteners extending through said top wall for fixing said holder assembly to said second frame unit. 